Janakeeya Bhakshanasala (The People’s Restaurant) was launched on March 3, 2018, in Pathirapally in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The restaurant plans to offer three meals a day to the customers, completely free of cost.

Though the customers will not be charged for their meals, there is a donation box kept at the restaurant where they can willingly make a contribution. The money collected from the donation box will be used to fund the meals for those in need.

There is a 2.5 acre land right outside the restaurant where an organic farm has been set up. The vegetables grown in this farm are used to prepare the meals. The organic farm is also open to the customers to buy the produce, which helps in generating additional revenues to fund the restaurant.

This restaurant has been established by a pain and palliative care unit — Snehajalakam. According to the CN Traveller, Finance Minister of Kerala, Thomas Isaac said,

If you are hungry, you can come and eat here. There won’t be a cashier at the counter to settle your bill. Your conscience is the cashier. You can drop whatever amount you want to, kept at the box on the counter. Those who cannot afford to give anything can leave content, after a full meal.

A modern steam kitchen has been set up in the restaurant that is capable of preparing meal for over 2,000 customers. The estimate cost of setting this up is nearly Rs 11.25 lakh.

A waste management plant and a water treatment plant have been established in the two-floor restaurant. An elevator has been installed to transport the food from one place to another. According to the The Indian Express, Thomas further said,

Resources for setting all this up has been mobilised through the CSR funds of Kerala State Financial Enterprises.

Do you have an interesting story to share? Please write to us at tci@yourstory.com. To stay updated with more positive news, please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.